Italy - Vanoli CR Makes Move in Serie A Standings

(Je'Kel Foster rocking his college #23 for Cremona! 11.28.2010)

11.21.2010 - Vanoli Cremona 103 vs Varese 79 (Serie A Week 6) W
- Je'Kel Foster: 12 points, 5 steals, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

11.28.2010 - Vanoli Cremona 84 at Lottomatica Roma 70 (Serie A Week 7) W
- Je'Kel Foster: 19 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal!

12.4.2010 - Vanoli Cremona 72 vs Pepsi Caserta 63 (Serie A Week 8 ) W
-Je'Kel Foster - 4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists


It is interesting to compare the game schedule of a player in the States to that of the pros in Europe. A player in the D-League or Association might play two, three, or maybe four games a week. In fact, the high number of games is an aspect of the NBA that almost all players love because they can quickly rebound from a game the following night or next couple of days.

Conversely, most teams in Europe will play in just one game a week, two if your club participates in an outside competition. This type of schedule brings ample pressure to perform with just one shot at it a week (preparation is important too as teams will need to be strong throughout the week's practice) Also remember that games in Europe are just 40 minutes long compared to the NBA's 48, contests become possession oriented and resemble tournament style of games.

While it is difficult to carry over strong play from one week to the next, that is exactly what Je'Kel Foster & Vanoli Cremona have been doing in the premier Italian League.

Their current three game winning streak began on November 21 after a blowout win vs Varese. Cremona would then stun Lottomatica Roma on the 28th in a nice 84-70 victory. Je'Kel was nice from long range in Rome, he hit 4 threes and finished with 19 points vs the Euroleague squad! And last week Vanoli took out Eurocup team Pepi Caserta to move to 5-3.

The strength of this team is balance with the entire starting five averaging double digit scoring. #4 EJ Rowland is currently playing like a top 5 point guard in the league. Drosdov & Milic are two versatile forwards, and Sekulic is a formidable center. Then there is Je'Kel, who can possesses the type of floor game that allows him to not only score, but also setup his teammates in the half court & transition. (Vanoli CR Roster - check out the videos though, this team is nice!)

The win over Caserta sets up next week's big matchup with Scavolini Pesaro, who also sits at 5-3. A 4th win in a row vs a good Pesaro team would volt Cremona into the top 5 of league standings.

Video highlights of the win vs Roma, plus the Je'Kel short vs Sutor for those who missed it.

(Vanoli vs Roma - #23 opens the clips with a trey!)